Will the Greek Islands Visa on Arrival Continue in 2025?

That blue and white Greek Islands vacation you've been dreaming of is actually much closer than you think! Moreover, you can set foot on the unique islands of Greece with just a few documents, without having to deal with the long-lasting Schengen visa process. How? With a visa on arrival!

However, is the 2025 Greece visa application still in effect? Which islands are valid? What should you pay attention to when applying? In this article, we have compiled all the information you are curious about and all the current information for you. If you want to taste meze accompanied by ouzo in Lesbos, make historical discoveries in Kos or get lost in the charming streets of Rhodes, we recommend that you do not make any plans without reading this guide.

What is Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival is a short-term visa type that allows visitors traveling from Turkey to certain islands of Greece to enter without obtaining a Schengen visa. This visa, which is used for touristic purposes, provides great convenience, especially for weekend getaways and short-term holidays.

Who can get a visa on arrival?

• Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye (those who do not have any prohibitive conditions in their passports).
• Tourists who do not want to obtain a Schengen visa or whose visa is not available in time.
• Travelers looking for a short-term holiday (usually up to 7 days) in the Greek Islands.
• Those who will travel to certain islands of Greece only.

In what cases is the visa on arrival used?

• For those looking for a quick and easy visa alternative: While obtaining a Schengen visa may take a long time, a visa on arrival offers a more practical solution.
• For those making last minute holiday plans: This is a visa that can be issued within a few days after purchasing the plane or ferry ticket.
• For travellers to specific islands only: This visa is not valid in mainland Greece or other European countries; it is only used to enter specified Greek islands.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of long visa application processes and are planning a fun getaway to the Greek Islands this summer, a visa on arrival might be just the thing for you!

Status of the Visa Application in 2025

The visa on arrival, which allows short-term and easy travel from Turkey to the Greek Islands, has been a practice preferred by many holidaymakers in recent years. Being able to enter islands such as Lesbos, Kos, and Rhodes with just a few documents, without the hassle of getting a Schengen visa, was a great advantage. But is this practice still valid in 2025? What are the updated visa procedures?

Will the visa on arrival continue in 2025?

Good news for those who want to travel from Turkey to the Greek Islands! The visa on arrival application will continue in 2025 and it is possible to enter certain Greek islands without a Schengen visa. If you are planning to visit popular destinations such as Lesbos, Rhodes, Kos or Chios this year, you can speed up your process with a visa on arrival.

Are There Any Changes to the Arrival Visa in 2025?

Although there will be no major changes in visa applications for 2025, the visa process is expected to be conducted in a more orderly and controlled manner. Authorities state that document checks may be stricter and processes will be evaluated more meticulously. Therefore, it is very important to submit a complete application file.

Greek Islands Holidays Made Easier in 2025!

• The visa on arrival will be valid until 2025, allowing you to enter certain Greek islands without a Schengen visa.
• The application process must be completed in advance, there is no option to obtain a visa at the border.
• It is important to follow official announcements as updates and island lists are subject to change.

Greek Islands Accessible with Visa on Arrival

It is very practical to reach the Greek islands by ferry, which you can easily visit with a visa on arrival! There are regular ferry services from various ports to these islands from Turkey, and thanks to this, you can reach the other shore in a short time. Here are the Greek Islands that can be visited with a visa on arrival and the ferry options you can buy from Bilet.com:

1. Lesvos Island

• Departure Port : Ayvalik
• Travel Time : Approximately 1.5 hours
• Ticket Information : Daily round trips are available. You can check the departure times and buy your Lesbos Island ferry ticket online on Bilet.com.

2. Chios Island

• Departure Port : Cesme
• Travel Time : 30-45 minutes
• Ticket Information : Daily trips are organized in the morning and afternoon. It is recommended that you buy your Chios ferry ticket in advance, as it is in high demand, especially during the summer season.

3. Samos Island

• Departure Port: Kusadasi

• Travel Time : 1 hour 15 minutes
• Ticket Information : There are trips every day in high season and on certain days in other periods. You can check the current times of Samos Island ferry tickets on Bilet.com.

4. Rhodes Island

• Departure Port : Marmaris
• Travel Time : 1 hour
• Ticket Information : There are daily trips in spring and summer. You can benefit from discounted prices by purchasing your Rhodes Island ferry ticket early.

5. Kos Island

• Departure Port : Bodrum
• Travel Time : 30-45 minutes
• Ticket Information : Several trips are made daily throughout the season. You can check Kos Island ferry ticket prices and times on bilet.com.

6. Meis (Kastellorizo) Island

• Departure Port : Kas
• Travel Time : 20 minutes
• Ticket Information : There are daily round trips throughout the season. You can also visit Bilet.com to compare Meis Island ferry ticket prices.

7. Simi (Symi)

• Departure Port : Bodrum & Datça
• Travel Time : 1 hour 30 minutes
• Ticket Information : There are direct flights from Bodrum and Datça. You can buy your Simi Island ferry tickets online.

8. Leros Island

• Departure Port : Bodrum
• Travel Time : 2 hours
• Ticket Information : Trips may vary depending on the season, you can check Leros Island ferry ticket prices on Bilet.com.

9. Kalymnos Island

• Departure Port : Bodrum
• Travel Time : 1.5 hours
• Ticket Information: Departure times may vary depending on the season. You can follow the current schedule of ferry services to Kalymnos Island on Bilet.com.

10. Lemnos Island

• Departure Port : Ayvalık or Çanakkale connected trips
• Travel Time : 3-4 hours
• Ticket Information : Trips may vary depending on the season. You can check current schedules on Bilet.com.

Visa on Arrival Application Process and Required Documents

One of the most practical ways to enter the Greek Islands without a Schengen visa is a visa on arrival. However, this visa must be obtained through designated agencies before travel, not at the border gate. Although the application process is easier than other visas, it is very important to prepare complete documents and apply on time.

Documents Required for Visa on Arrival

For the Greece visa application, do not forget to review our visa application documents list below:

• Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months from your travel date and contain a blank visa page.
• Biometric Photo – 1 photograph, 35x45 mm in size, taken within the last 6 months must be submitted.
• Visa Application Form – You can obtain it from the agency where you will apply and you must fill it out completely.
• Hotel Reservation – A document containing the name and address of the hotel where you will be staying and a reservation confirmation.
• Round Trip Ferry Ticket – You will be asked to provide a confirmed round trip ferry ticket to prove your trip.
• Travel Health Insurance – Must have an insurance policy with a coverage of 30,000 Euros and covering Greece. (Must cover the duration of your travel.)
• Bank Statement – Your bank statement for the last 3 months, stamped and signed, must have sufficient funds. (It is generally recommended to show at least 500-1000 Euros.)
• Visa Fee – Arrival visa fees may change annually. You can learn the current prices through the agency you applied to.

Visa on Arrival Application Process

You need to apply for a visa on arrival through authorized agencies, not individually. Here is the step-by-step application process:

• Complete the required documents. Prepare your application with documents that contain complete and accurate information.
• Apply through an authorized agency. Visa on arrival is not issued at border gates, so you need to submit your documents to an agency at least 4-5 days before your trip.
• Your visa application will be processed. Your application will be forwarded to the relevant Greek authorities and will usually be finalized within 3-5 business days. (This may take longer during busy seasons.)
• With your approved visa, you can enter the Greek island. Once your gate visa is approved, you can enter the specified island. The gate visa is single entry and usually allows a maximum stay of 7 days.

Things to Consider During the Application Process

• Don't risk last minute applications! Applications are not finalized until the ship's departure time, so start the process at least 4-5 days in advance.
• Your documents must be complete. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents may result in your application being rejected.
• The visa on arrival is only valid on certain Greek islands! If you are planning to go to the mainland such as Athens or Thessaloniki, you will need a Schengen visa.
• The visa period should not be exceeded. The visa on arrival is usually issued for a maximum of 7 days. Exceeding the period may result in penalties.

Things to Consider When Traveling with a Visa on Arrival

Although a visa on arrival is the savior of spontaneous 2025 Greek Islands travel plans, skipping some details can put your vacation at risk. Here are the things you need to pay attention to for your trip to go smoothly:

Validity Period and Scope of the Visa:

• Passport Validity : Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of your trip. Also, your passport must have at least two blank pages.
• Visa Duration : A visa on arrival is generally issued for short-term tourist visits and is limited to a certain period of time. Visas issued within the scope of the visa on arrival application are valid for a maximum of seven (7) days and only cover the island where the application is made and do not allow travel to other islands or the Greek mainland.

Visa Status for Inter-Island Transitions:

• Limited Validity : A visa on arrival is usually only valid for the island you first enter. If you want to move on to another island, you may need to get a new visa. So if you plan on visiting more than one island, check ahead of time to see if a visa is required for each.

Travel Insurance and Other Important Matters:

• Travel Insurance : It is important to have a valid travel health insurance for the duration of your trip. Although this insurance is not mandatory in some cases, it provides coverage for unexpected health problems or accidents.
• Required Documents : The following documents are generally requested for the visa application on arrival:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Biometric photo (usually 2 or 3)
  • Photocopy of ID card
  • Round trip ferry ticket
  • Hotel reservation document
  • Travel health insurance policy
  • A fully completed and signed visa application form

Complete and accurate documentation is critical to the smooth progress of your application.

• Application Time : Visa processing usually takes 4-6 business days to complete. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply at least one week before your travel.